Yes, the Detroit Lions routed the New England Patriots 40-9 in a preseason NFL game on Thursday, and Tim Tebow was on the field for zero plays. Make no mistake, it wasn’t a good sign for the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner, who has eight days before rosters are cut to the final 53. But it wasn’t a bad sign, either.

Tebow is a project, an experiment for Patriots coach Bill Belichick. Belichick is a cold, calculated, humorless football coach that has never surrendered to the whims of anyone but Bill Belichick. So when the fans at Ford Field started chanting “Tebow! Tebow! Tebow!” with ten minutes to play, it was hardly a surprise to see Tebow, the Patriots’ third-string quarterback, standing on the sideline watching second-string quarterback Ryan Mallett orchestrate the offense. In truth, Belichick likely already has decided Tebow’s future with his team.

There is no Tebow Time in Boston. There never was and there never will be. Tebow fills a nominal role for the Patriots. As such, he receives nominal exposure. And to his credit, Tebow has played that part to perfection.

“I’m a blessed individual,” Tebow said. “I’m happy to be here and whatever I’m asked to do I’m going to do.”

Tebow was called to watch Thursday night. He went 1-for-7 passing with one interception in an exhibition against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game the week before. There would have been little to be gained and plenty to lose had Tebow stepped on the field against the Lions.

Tebow’s number will be called again next Thursday, when the Patriots take on the New York Giants in their final preseason game. Rest assured, he will come under center and give 100%. It’s what he’s always done, and what he’ll always do.

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